Macerators

Now this is a really great idea that has made it possible to have a toilet which can be fitted just about anywhere in the home, basement or small cupboard which you are designing to be a cloakroom area.

The principle does not have to rely on the traditional system of a large soil pipe which is designed to remove all the waste and paper from a WC, this method ensures that all the waste matter is macerated in a unit which is situated behind the WC or false wall into a size and consistency that will allow it to be pumped into the main sewerage system through a very small pipe. The Saniflo systems allow for ensuite facilities to be added to bedrooms, or a guest room, a shower and WC can be accommodated by the same unit. These are ideal for B&B operations as we all now prefer en-suite facilities. The Sanivite illustrated also allows for a kitchen or utility room to be added to a property which would not have been possible without a traditional waste system. This allows a connection to a sink, washing machine, glass washer, bath, shower, dishwasher or basin. Using 32 mm pipework, it pumps waste water away with a vertical pumping capacity of 5 metres and horizontal discharge of 50 metres. We will be happy to discuss the appropriate Saniflo unit which will be best suited for the room you may be considering.

Macerator pump buying guide

A macerator is a waste disposal unit and pump, and is commonly used to remove waste and paper waste when access to the main sewage network is impossible or would cost too much money. Mains toilet are gernerally located above the sewage pipe, as building regulations dictate that waste from the toilet must pass vertically straight to the sewage outlet. This isn’t usually a problem in existing bathrooms, and it may be possible to install a ground floor toilet in such a position where you can get the required access to the mains sewage. However, for en-suite bathrooms, basements, and where an additional cloakroom cannot be fed straight to the main sewer, an alternative method of waste disposal is required.

A macerator pumps the waste through a smaller outlet pipe than the standard sewage pipe, but this means that it first needs to convert solid waste into slurry by cutting it up with a fine blade and combining it with water. Once the waste has been converted into a pumpable slurry, it is then pumped through the outlet pipes until it reaches the main sewage system. This means that it is possible to pass waste under rooms, or even horizontally, before it reaches the sewage.

A macerated toilet can prove extremely beneficial in certain circumstances, but you do need to ensure that you have the room, that you buy the right type, and that it is installed and fitted properly. This way, your new toilet should not require any maintenance or servicing, beyond a typical toilet clean, and most models will last for ten years+ of trouble free use.

Types of macerator

There are, in fact, a number of different types of macerator pump available. Choose the right model according to the type of waste that will pass through it, whether the device needs to pump horizontally, and also whether you want to discretely secure the macerator away so that people cannot see it.

Macerator toilet

Some macerators allow you to install your own or existing toilet as part of the installation process. This means that you can use an existing toilet, and convert it to a macerator washroom. Alternatively, you can buy macerator toilets that include the pump already built in. This helps alleviate the problem of having to find somewhere to hide the pump while making sure that you have all of the fixtures and the room that you need.

Is a macerator suitable for your needs?

A macerator may not be the best option for your needs. If you have simple and cost-effective access to the main sewage system, then you should consider installing a standard toilet. It could work out cheaper, and it means that you don’t have to worry about whether or not you have installed the new toilet properly.

You don’t need planning permission to install this kind of toilet, although if you are installing in a residential property, then you must already have a gravity-fed toilet available for your use as well.

Features

Different types and models of macerator have different features, while different models also come in different sizes and have different sizes of inlet and outlet pipe. Every model has an energy rating, which can determine how well a pump deals with solid waste but will also govern the noise level of the toilet once it is fitted.

Inlets and outlets

Inlet pipes are those that transport the waste from the toilet to the pump, and outlet pipes then take the slurry from the pump to the mains sewage. You need to make sure that the pump you choose has the appropriate number and size of inlet and outlet pipes or face disappointment. Every model of macerator is unique, so you should make sure you choose one appropriate to your circumstances.

Horizontal and pump rating

You should have at least a basic idea of your washroom or WC layout, but try to leave some room for movement. Lower capacity pumps may only be able to transport waste over a short distance, and if you need to transport the waste over several metres and horizontally, then you need to be careful that you choose one that is capable of this. Check the flow rate and the horizontal pump distance, and if in any doubt then err on the side of caution when choosing a pump.

Installation

You will need some electric and plumbing knowledge if you intend to install your own macerator in your home. The electrical requirements of a macerator are basic, but if you aren’t comfortable with moderate plumbing then you should hire the services of a professional to install your new toilet. Errors in the installation process can greatly reduce the life of the device, and may cause problems once you start using it.

Check your waste

Different models of macerator are designed for different purposes, and while a shower model can cope with soapy water, a standard or slimline model may not be able to. Furthermore, home macerators are not designed to cope with waste like sanitary products, while some may become blocked if too much toilet paper is used; especially if the paper is thick. Devices like the Sanibest can accept additional types of waste, but check the manufacturer's details first, otherwise you risk wrecking your toilet.

Make room

When measuring for the installation of the pump and the toilet, don’t forget that you will need access to the device. Although manufacturers state that the devices do not require regular maintenance, they can become blocked and damage can occur that prevents them from working properly. If you haven’t allowed ample room to access the pump, then you won’t be able to make any repairs or conduct any maintenance without first removing the pump.

Cleaning a macerator

The manufacturers claim that, if this device is properly installed, it does not require any regular maintenance. However, it does require cleaning, just like any other type of toilet. In fact, the process is very much the same, as long as you don’t use disinfectants and bleaches that are too frothy. Also remember to turn the unit off, or remove the fuse, before you clean it out.

Lifetime and servicing

Different companies make different claims regarding the lifespan of their toilets and pumps. Some of the best known manufacturers state that their devices will last for a period of up to 10 years, and it is possible that a well installed device will last even longer than this. Regular cleaning and ensuring that the toilet does not become blocked with sanitary products or other waste products that are difficult to break down will help.

Reduce noise through proper installation

Use the noise reduction pads that came with the device, do not install it straight on to floorboards or laminate flooring, and if you hear loud and continuous noises from your toilet, then it is time to worth considering having it checked. Unevenly installed devices can also make a noise, while putting the device under too much strain could cause it to break down over time.

Macerator pumps are extremely convenient, and are especially beneficial to those unable to install a standard, gravity-fed toilet. Whether you are converting a loft or basement, creating an en-suite or a cloakroom, you can use this type of device to avoid having to rip up floors and without having to compromise regarding the placement of the toilet.